Donald Trump on Sunday, May 10, dismissed Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal for peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, even as two vessels were permitted to pass through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it, TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, without giving further details.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran’s response centred on ending the war across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, while also seeking assurances for safe shipping through the strait. However, no timeline was provided for the full reopening of the key waterway.
The latest exchange came after the United States proposed halting hostilities before beginning negotiations on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran’s proposal demanded an immediate end to the fighting, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, guarantees against future attacks on Iran, and the removal of sanctions, including restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
According to The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, Iran also suggested diluting part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile while transferring the remainder to a third country.
A Pakistani official said Pakistan, which has been helping to mediate discussions surrounding the conflict, forwarded Iran’s response to Washington. There was no immediate reaction from the United States.
Despite a ceasefire that has held for nearly a month and almost 48 hours of relative calm, hostile drones were reportedly detected over several Gulf states on Sunday, underlining continued tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, the QatarEnergy-operated carrier Al Kharaitiyat safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and was heading toward Port Qasim in Pakistan, according to shipping analytics firm Kpler.
It marked the first Qatari liquefied natural gas vessel to pass through the strait since the United States and Israel launched military operations on February 28.
